An anti-bullying bill is picking up steam in the Arizona Legislature.
The measure would give students and their parents the right to sue if a bully seriously injures that student. Schools can also be held liable if they fail to deal with a prior bullying incident.
Senate Bill 1684's sponsor is Republican Sen. Shawnna Bolick.
"At the end of the day, if we can help make sure our kids are safe in school and we don’t have a lot of folks being bullied and potentially ending up harming themselves or unfortunately committing suicide, I think we’re moving in the right step," said Bolick.
Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union, say the legislation undermines best practices and schools would be forced to resort to dramatic punishments, including expulsions.
The bill passed the House Education Committee on Tuesday and now moves to the House floor.
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This message is only a minute and 43 seconds long — but it means a lot to Indigenous Parent Committee co-president Monique John, who is Navajo and Jemez. She was among a few dozen citizens backing the proposal amid the Wednesday night public comment window — just moments before the roll call. -
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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that a former Tucson charter school director and others were indicted for allegedly stealing education dollars to pay for jewelry, trips to casinos and other extravagances.
